1. What is Single Phase Power Calculation?

Definition: This calculator computes the real power in kilowatts (kW) for single-phase AC electrical systems.

Purpose: It helps electricians, engineers, and technicians determine the actual power consumption in single-phase circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{kW} \) — Real power (kilowatts)
• \( V \) — Voltage (volts)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( PF \) — Power factor (unitless, between 0 and 1)

Explanation: The product of voltage and current gives apparent power, which is then multiplied by the power factor to get real power, converted to kW by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of Power Factor

Details: Power factor represents the ratio of real power to apparent power. A higher PF (closer to 1) indicates more efficient power usage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the voltage in volts, current in amps, and power factor (default 0.8). Power factor must be between 0 and 1.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical power factor value?
A: For residential circuits, PF is typically 0.8-0.95. Industrial motors might have lower PF (0.6-0.8).

Q2: Why divide by 1000?
A: This converts watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W).

Q3: Does this work for DC circuits?
A: Yes, but set PF=1 since DC has no reactive power.

Q4: How do I measure current and voltage?
A: Use a multimeter - measure voltage across the load and current in series with the load.

Q5: What if I know kW and want to find current?
A: Rearrange the formula: \( I = \frac{P_{kW} \times 1000}{V \times PF} \)